Want to live longer in a tropical, culturally rich country while investing at the same time?
Southeast Asia is seeing a growing number of countries offering Golden Visas, long-term visa programs designed to attract foreign investors, global professionals, and high-net-worth individuals.
With benefits like long-term residency (sometimes decades), access to exclusive services, and even pathways to citizenship, Golden Visas are the ideal gateway for those looking to settle and invest in the region.
Singapore
For those seeking economic stability, a strong legal framework, and global connectivity, Singapore offers the Global Investor Program (GIP), a permanent residency scheme tailored for high-level investors. Through this program, foreign nationals can obtain Permanent Resident (PR) status by making a minimum investment of S$10 million (around USD 7.5 million) in a Singapore-based business.
There are three investment options under the GIP:
- Invest at least S$10 million in a new business or in expanding an existing business in Singapore.
- Invest S$25 million in a GIP-selected fund that focuses on local companies.
- Establish a Single-Family Office with Assets Under Management (AUM) of at least S$200 million, of which a minimum of S$50 million must be transferred to and invested in Singapore.
Applicants fall into four target categories:
- Established Business Owners with an annual turnover of at least S$200 million for the past three years.
- Next-Generation Business Owners, who are involved in the management of a family business with revenues of at least S$500 million.
- Founders of Fast-Growth Companies with a valuation of at least S$500 million and backed by reputable venture capital firms.
- Family Office Principals, meeting criteria similar to the above but focused on private wealth management.
Applications are processed by Contact Singapore and the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). If approved, applicants receive a 5-year Re-Entry Permit (REP), allowing them to maintain PR status even while living abroad.
Thailand
While Singapore offers prestige and exclusivity through significant investment, Thailand takes a more accessible and lifestyle-oriented approach through its Thailand Elite Visa, also known as the Thailand Privilege Visa. This program doesn’t require property or business investment, nor proof of income. Instead, a one-time membership fee starting at around USD 20,000 grants residency for up to 5 years.
Key benefits include:
- VIP airport services: fast-track immigration, complimentary transfers, and exclusive lounge access.
- 24/7 concierge service: assistance with daily needs, from restaurant bookings to transportation.
- Discounts at luxury hotels, shopping centers, and spas.
- Accident insurance and free access to healthcare services upon arrival.
The Thailand Elite Visa offers four membership tiers, each with different residency lengths, privileges, and annual Privilege Points:
| Membership Type | Fee | Duration | Privilege Points/Year | Additional Family Member Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | THB 900,000 (~USD 25,000) | 5 years | 20 points | Not available |
| Platinum | THB 1.5 million (~USD 42,000) | 10 years | 35 points | THB 1 million per person |
| Diamond | THB 2.5 million (~USD 70,000) | 15 years | 55 points | THB 1.5 million per person |
| Reserve (invitation only) | THB 5 million (~USD 140,000) | 20 years | 120 points | THB 2 million per person |
Privilege Points can be redeemed for services like:
- Luxury hotel stays
- Spa or golf sessions
- Legal or medical consultations
- Premium transportation and more
There are no age, income, or employment requirements. No annual fees, just a one-time payment upon approval. In terms of application ease, Thailand may be the most user-friendly in the region. No expensive lawyers or complex bureaucracy are needed, even government-approved agents offer support free of charge.
Viet Nam
A new player in Southeast Asia’s golden visa landscape, Viet Nam launched its 10-Year Golden Visa Program in May 2025. With an inclusive and modern approach, Viet Nam targets investors, professionals, and long-term travelers, especially from large markets like India.
The program offers three main pathways:
- 10-Year Golden Visa for foreign residents who meet investment or economic contribution requirements.
- 10-Year Investor Visa, with the option to apply for Permanent Residency after 5 years of sustained investment.
- 5-Year Talent Visa for professionals in key sectors such as IT, education, and healthcare.
All applications are handled digitally, no embassy visit required. Applicants need a valid passport, proof of funds or professional qualifications, health insurance, and a clean criminal record. The visa also allows for family inclusion, making it ideal for those relocating with spouses or children.
The program will roll out gradually in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc, as Viet Nam aims to transform its image from a tourist hotspot into a hub for long-term innovation and international collaboration.
Indonesia
The world’s largest archipelago, Indonesia, is now welcoming foreign nationals through the Indonesia Golden Visa Program. Designed for those seeking long-term residency, up to 10 years, this visa offers various benefits, including fast-track processing at international airports and no annual Limited Stay Permit renewal.
However, the core requirement is direct investment. The scheme is divided into several categories: Individual Investors, Corporate Investors, Second Home, and Global Talent. Below are the key details:
Individual Investor Starting a Business
- 5-year stay: Minimum investment of USD 2,500,000
- 10-year stay: Minimum investment of USD 5,000,000
Corporate Investor (Directors, Commissioners, or Foreign Company Representatives)
- 5-year stay: Investment of USD 25,000,000
- 10-year stay: Investment of USD 50,000,000
Non-Business Individual Investor (No company setup required)
- 5-year stay: USD 350,000 placed in government bonds, public company shares, or state-owned bank deposits
- 10-year stay: USD 700,000 invested in the same instruments
Malaysia
Another Southeast Asian gem, Malaysia offers one of the region’s most established golden visa programs: Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H). It allows foreigners to reside in Malaysia for 5 to 20 years, with varying financial requirements depending on the chosen tier.
MM2H consists of four categories:
- Platinum – 20-year visa, with a fixed deposit of USD 1 million and property purchase of at least MYR 2 million. Includes permission to employ domestic helpers and to work or run a business.
- Gold – 15-year visa, USD 500,000 fixed deposit, and MYR 1 million minimum property investment. Same employment and domestic help rights as Platinum.
- Silver – 10-year visa, with a lighter fixed deposit of USD 150,000 and MYR 600,000 in property. Minimum applicant age is 21, but working or doing business is not allowed.
- SEZ/SFZ (Special Economic Zones) – 5-year visa, with relaxed conditions (no need to prove foreign income), but property must be purchased directly from developers in designated zones.
Applicants can include their spouse, unmarried children under 34, and parents or in-laws.
For those aged 25–49, there’s a requirement to stay at least 90 cumulative days per year, while those 50 and above face no minimum stay requirement, making MM2H particularly attractive for retirees and digital nomads.
Unlike other countries, Malaysia does not mandate permanent residence. Although there are professional fees (typically MYR 40,000–70,000) and additional costs like insurance and medical checks, the overall ease and flexibility of MM2H continue to attract strong interest.
